Text in the City is a campaign that promotes Singapore poetry through a free mobile app and a writing competition. Users can read and listen to 100 poems by 50 poets in their original languages, including Alvin Pang, Alfian Sa’at, Edwin Thumboo, Elangovan, Grace Chia, Heng Siok Tian, Isa Kamari, KTM Iqbal, Lee Tzu Pheng, and Yeng Pway Ngon. 

All the poems centre on the theme of place in Singapore. At the same time, the app allows users to instantly upload their own poetry creation. The interactive app features an array of content – besides the audio recordings by the poets themselves, there are also some present day and archival photos of the spaces and places written about, with anecdotes to provide users with interesting bite-sized cultural and historical information. 

Divided into six zones – central, east, island, north, north-east and west – the 100 poems featured in the app allow users to see these spaces and places through the eyes of our poets. From reminiscing about the hustle and bustle of Bugis in yesteryears, to observing the daily activities at a neighbourhood coffee shop, the zoning function in the app creates a whole new experience of enjoying poetry through our unique cityscape. 

The app also features three poetry trails: The Civic District, Bras Basah and Chinatown. Marked with green icons on the app’s map, the trails highlight selected poems which showcase specific places or landmarks within each of the precincts. In addition, curated tours by veteran guides from the Singapore Heritage Society will be organised for the public.